Violence issue for London firms

Violence in the workplace has reached unprecedented levels in the capital, according to the London Chamber of Commerce which represents businesses across the Capital.

It estimates that 170,000 Londoners - 4.3% of the workforce - have suffered violent incidents at work in the last year, ranging from physical assaults to intimidation, threats and verbal abuse.

"Violence at work costs people their health, their jobs and - in extreme cases - their lives," says Pamela Carr, occupational health expert at the London Chamber, which has produced an employers' guide on tackling violence at work.

Carr says: "It is a growing problem in general - but some people have more to worry about than others. In the service industries such as transport, retail and leisure, face-to-face contact with customers and clients increases the risk of violent incidents."

She added: "Certain individuals are especially vulnerable. Such as people who work alone, people who work nights and people who handle cash."

Carr points to causes such as "too few staff being available for a given task and unnecessarily complex procedures" which employers can address.

The London Chamber of Commerce guide explains how employers should carry out risk assessments for violence, and introduce measures to prevent or control incidents.

Tackling work-related violence and abuse, an employers' guide is available from the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, phone 020 7203 1871